March 29, 2023

I am known as a Pied-billed Grebe

I have lobed feet that help me swim

In addition, they make me attractive

And I can use them as a grooming limb!

Location: Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pied-billed_Grebe/id#

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 28, 2023

I am known as a Pied-billed Grebe

I'm coming into my breeding condition

You can tell by the ring around my beak 

I'll soon be making a proposition.

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pied-billed_Grebe/overview

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 5, 2022

I am known as a Pied-billed Grebe

I'm an excellent swimmer and diver

My feet are placed far back on my body

So I swim well, but am a terrible driver.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Podilymbus_podiceps/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 20, 2022

I am known as a Pied-billed Grebe

When I mate, there are five different stages:

I Advertise, Pirouette, Ripple Dive, Circle,  and Triumph

Then our love becomes one for the ages.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Podilymbus_podiceps/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 1, 2020

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Broadmoor section, Fellsmere

I am known as a Pied-bill Grebe,
I am truly a work of art.
You can see in my eyes, a vague look of surprise,
I hope nobody heard me just fart.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Pied-billed Grebe

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson